"The quarterback situation will be scrutinized with rookie Quinn Ewers making his first start. Coach Mike McDaniel's future will be scrutinized. Owner Steve Ross' judgement will be scrutinized. In fact, Ross' entire ownership era will be examined and if this game goes well for the Dolphins (6-8), it'll get a relatively optimistic look toward the future. If not, well, he'd better brace for a rough week."
"Ewers (5 of 8, 53 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions, 81.1 passer rating), rookie seventh-round pick, will start over demoted veteran Tua Tagovailoa, and while Ewers will need help to succeed the majority of the burden to win will rest on his shoulders. With a good performance in these last three games of the season, Ewers could insert him into the battle to contend for the 2026 starting job in training camp."
"Miami is 6-2 this season when rushing for 100 or more yards, winning five consecutive. Cincinnati has the league's worst run defense (157.9 yards allowed per game) so you'd think running back De'Von Achane (1,186 yards rushing, No. 3 in NFL) will be able to run all over the Bengals defense. Achane, the heart and soul of the offense during the stretch in which the Dolphins won five out of six games, rushed for just 60 yards on 12 carries."
Miami's 2025 playoff hopes are extinguished, turning Sunday's game against the Bengals into a forward-looking audition. Rookie Quinn Ewers will make his first start, carrying the primary burden to win and potentially influence the 2026 quarterback competition, though securing an unchallenged starting role seems doubtful. Coach Mike McDaniel and owner Steve Ross face scrutiny tied to game outcomes and broader ownership evaluation. The run game is critical: Miami is 6-2 when rushing for at least 100 yards, and De'Von Achane's effectiveness matters against Cincinnati's league-worst run defense. Recent struggles, including Achane's 60 rushing yards in Pittsburgh, raise concern.
Read at Sun Sentinel
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